Green Wave Nation

Parent Update #20- Thursday, December 12, 2024

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see."

--Mark Twain

December Dates to Remember

Dec. 20 - Early Dismissal - Winter break begins
Dec. 21-Jan. 1 - Winter Break

Greenfield Public Schools - Where Everyone Matters!

At Greenfield, we believe that every student, every staff member, and every family member, brings a valuable perspective to our schools. This richness in diversity strengthens our community, offering all of us a chance to learn from one another, to grow together, and to build bonds that will last well beyond the school years. Each of us contributes to the dynamic, welcoming spirit that makes Greenfield Public Schools such an inspiring place to learn and grow. Together, we can ensure that every student feels proud, supported, and welcomed in the Green Wave Nation.

With gratitude,

Karin Patenaude, Superintendent

December is Relationship Skills Month

Caught Bee-ing Amazing! We are better together!

To highlight the importance of good relationships and developing the skills to navigate those relationships at any age, the district believes that every student, every staff member, and every family member brings value to our school community. We will continue to support one another, and cheer each other on, because we are better together!

Caught helping out another!

Thankful Thursday!

Redistricting Frequently Asked Questions

The redistricting of Greenfield Public Schools will be in full effect for the 2025-26 school year. We understand that some common questions are going to arise.

To make it easier for you to understand how redistricting might impact you and your children, we’ve gathered the most common questions with their answers in the below FAQ.

If you have any further questions that are not answered here, please reach out to the Central Office at gpsk12.org/administration/contact/

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Weather Information

As this morning's weather graced the region, we want to remind parents/caregivers to keep your contact information updated with the schools so you receive all messages. A robocall, an email, and a text were sent this morning to all students, families, and staff regarding the two-hour delay. If you did not receive any of those, then your contact information is incorrect in our PowerSchool database. Please contact your child's school to update your information immediately. Thank you!

Where's the Superintendent Going to be Next?

TONIGHT: AEL: Cookies and Cocoa

I will be joining the pre-school students and families tonight at the Academy of Early from 4:30-5:30 pm for Cookies and Cocoa. Thank you to the AEL PTO for their support in this family engagement activity!

Student Spotlight

The GHS Students of Color group spent advisory periods with the 8th grade students throughout the month of December and will continue through January a discussion and presentation on slurs and racialized language in schools and how to be active bystanders and school community members.

Stick to Reading Program

Dear Green Wave Nation,

We’re excited to announce the Greenfield Public Schools (GPS) Reading Challenge, in partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds! This initiative runs from Thanksgiving through Monday, January 6, 2025, and is designed to inspire our students to discover the joy of reading. This reading challenge also provides all GPS students the opportunity to earn a free ticket to a Thunderbirds hockey game on Saturday, January 25, 2025!

How It Works

All students need to do is read for 20 minutes a day, 20 times between Thanksgiving and January 6, 2025. Those who complete the challenge and submit their reading form to school on January 7, 2025 will earn a free ticket to the game. There will be opportunities for families and caregivers to join the fun at the game as well. We will share more information on this soon.

Kick-Off Event: Turkey Trots with Boomer

On Wednesday, November 27 the Thunderbirds mascot, Boomer, will visit each school to help kick-off this challenge.

Why This Matters

Encouraging a love of reading is a key priority for GPS. Improving literacy skills is at the heart of our district goals, and this partnership offers a fun and meaningful way to incentivize our students to build healthy reading habits.

Additional Details

Family Tickets: We are working with the Thunderbirds to finalize ticket purchase options for families and caregivers, and some tickets will be purchased through Title I funding.
Transportation Support: As the game approaches, we’ll reach out to families to determine transportation needs and provide assistance as necessary.

This is an incredible opportunity for our students to improve their literacy skills while enjoying the excitement of a live hockey game for free. Thank you for supporting this initiative and encouraging your students to participate. Let’s get reading, Green Wave Nation!

PTO lights up the Fairgrounds!

This Friday, December 13, 2024 and Saturday, December 14, 2024 between 5-8:00 pm are your last chances to check out the Light Up the Fairgrounds displays. Please go and vote for your favorite: Greenfield Public Schools display:)